Microsoft Authenticator App: Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

This article contains detailed instructions on how to set up (or reset) the Microsoft Authenticator app for use with Middlebury College Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

Middlebury College MFA Setup

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
2. On your computer (preferably using Firefox as your browser -- both Safari and Chrome often have issues with this process), sign in to http://go.middlebury.edu/mfasetup.
   (If you had previously set up your phone number as another method, you can use that to sign in by clicking sign in with a different method).
3. If you see the Authenticator app already listed (probably with the phone type), delete it as a method.  (The Delete link should be to the right.)
4. Click Add sign-in method then choose the Authenticator app.
5. Click Add then Next again until you see a QR code displayed.
6. On your phone in the app, choose either Scan with QR code or Add account -->add work or school account. (Do NOT choose a sign-in option.)
7. This will trigger a camera function in the app with which you can scan the QR code you see on your computer screen (make sure you have both camera and notifications enabled for the app).
8. Once the QR code is scanned, you should see your account name, along with a 6-digit code and a 30-second countdown timer, in the app*.
9. Click Next on your computer; this will send a test notification for you to approve.
10. Click Done.

* (This 6 digit code is what will work regardless of data or wifi; if while logging in you are prompted to approve the notification sent to the app, click Sign in another way then choose Enter a code from the authenticator app.)